(Karenr | Dreamstime.com)

By rdnewsNOW staff

be wary

‘Grandparent scam’ still going around, say Alberta RCMP

Mar 30, 2022 | 10:19 AM

Alberta RCMP are once again warning residents to be aware of what’s referred to as the ‘Grandparent’ or ‘Grandchild’ scam.

In March, RCMP received five complaints about this type of scam, with a total of loss over $100,000 among victims.

“These scams often involve a phone call being placed to the victim claiming their grandchild is in trouble with the courts or law enforcement and a payment of cash is needed to help them,” say RCMP.

“The suspects will often pretend to be police or a judge and caution the victims not to tell anyone about the transaction and a courier will be sent to the house to pick up the cash in person or have it sent in the mail.”

RCMP say there is concern for not only the victim, but also the couriers who show up to collect the cash.

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With March being Fraud Prevention month, the Alberta RCMP offer these tips:

· Never withdraw or send money to anyone you don’t know;

· If the person is saying a family member is in trouble, confirm with that family member first prior to taking any action;

· If the person claims to be police or a judge, call that police service or court house directly to confirm that situation – police and courts will never demand cash be picked up in person or mailed; and

· Never give out personal information over the phone or online to someone you don’t know—the police or courts will not ask for personal information over the phone.

Should you fall victim to this or any other scam, call your local RCMP or police service.